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The thing about synergy is that, although the sum is greater than the parts, that sum can defy tradition. When the Santa Barbara Dance Alliance replaced long-running annual social dance showcase BASSH (i.e. Ballroom, Argentine Tango, Swing, Salsa and Hip-Hop) with the new-and-improved Synergy showcase earlier this year, some dancers weren’t so pleased. The show changed from an exercise in community building to something more genre-defying. Where BASSH was all about community dance, Synergy’s intent is to challenge already-established dancers to collaborate between different styles. It “was more geared towards professionals,” says BASSH production team member Derrick Curtis. “And BASSH was always about bringing professionals and amateurs together, performing on stage. … [The new show] excluded the community.” So, Santa Barbara’s community dancers are independently bringing BASH! back this fall — albeit with a slightly re-worked name. The new showcase won’t take place until September 27-28, but the fundraising starts now. The organization will hold a benefit event this Saturday, July 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Dance Center (127A W. Canon Perdido St.), where they’ll attempt to raise $2,500 to cover costs like show production and the venue deposit. Featuring performances, prizes, and silent auctions, the event will mark the dancers’ community participation coming full circle. Curtis explains the mentality of BASH! has always been, “If you want to be a dancer and you want to perform, you can. You don’t have to sit there and just watch.” Apparently, that active approach also applies to preserving what you believe in. For more info, call (805) 899-2901.

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